Effects of magnetized fresh water on seed germination and seeding growth of cotton

Abstract

Abstract Magnetized water treatment technology is usually used to improve poor quality water, and there is still a lack of study on fresh water. To understand the biological effects of different strength magnetized fresh water (MFW), seed germination and potted experiments on cotton were carried out to study the effects of MFW with different magnetic intensity (0, 100, 300, 500 mT). Results showed that the surface tension coefficient of MFW reduced by 7.3–10.5%, whilst dissolved oxygen concentrations increased by 8.8–12.7%. Germination strength indexes of cotton cultivated with MFW significantly increased, showing potential and vigor indexes of 16.8–22.4% and 47.4–78.0%, respectively. The emergence rate of cotton irrigated with MFW was faster and higher, with recorded values of 7.7–13.1%. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE) of cotton increased significantly, whereas the stomatal limit value (Ls) decreased. In all, results suggest the total biomasses of MFW irrigated cotton have significantly increased. Therefore, it is suggested that MFW may more effectively promote the utilization of water and light in cotton under magnetic field intensities of 300–500 mT. The results can provide guidance for the efficient utilization of magnetized fresh water in arid and semi-arid areas.